Receiving Grace: The Journey of Christian Sanctification

 

Summary

In exploring the profound statement from the Gospel of John, "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace," we delve into the essence of what it means to be a Christian. This passage encapsulates the Christian life as one of continual reception from the fullness of Christ, receiving grace upon grace. It underscores that our salvation is not a result of our own efforts but is entirely in Christ. This truth liberates us from the misconception that our works can earn us salvation and instead places us in a position of receiving from Christ's abundance.

The Apostle Paul further illuminates this in 1 Corinthians 1:30, where he describes how Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Currently, we focus on sanctification, which is the process of becoming more like Christ. This transformation is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, who was sent to glorify Christ and to build us up in Him. The Spirit's role is to mediate Christ to us, ensuring that we grow in grace and knowledge, moving from glory to glory.

However, the assurance of salvation can sometimes be misused by the devil to lead us into complacency or antinomianism, where we might think that our actions no longer matter. This is a dangerous trap, as the true purpose of salvation is to enable us to fulfill the law through the Spirit, not to live lawlessly. The Christian life is a journey towards ultimate glorification, and while we are assured of our destiny, we must navigate the challenges of this world, including the temptations of the flesh and the devil.

James 4:5-6 provides insight into how we persevere in this journey. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, yearns jealously for our sanctification and glorification. This divine longing is a guarantee of our final perseverance. The Spirit not only fights for us but also provides us with more grace, enabling us to resist the devil and grow in holiness. This grace is greater than any temptation or sin we face, ensuring that we are never overcome. Even when we falter, the Spirit's abundant grace restores us, healing our backslidings and reestablishing our path towards glory.

Key Takeaways:

- The Christian life is defined by receiving from the fullness of Christ, emphasizing that our salvation is entirely in Him and not by our own works. This understanding liberates us from self-reliance and places us in a position of continual reception of grace. [00:49]

- Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is a journey of growing in grace and knowledge, moving from glory to glory, and is essential to the Christian life. [02:40]

- Assurance of salvation should not lead to complacency or antinomianism. Instead, it should motivate us to live according to the Spirit, fulfilling the law and striving for holiness as we journey towards ultimate glorification. [05:51]

- The Holy Spirit, dwelling within us, yearns jealously for our sanctification and glorification. This divine longing is a guarantee of our final perseverance, as the Spirit fights for us and provides us with more grace to overcome any temptation or sin. [31:25]

- God's grace is greater than any challenge we face. The Spirit's abundant grace ensures that we are never overcome by temptation or sin, and even when we falter, this grace restores us, healing our backslidings and reestablishing our path towards glory. [47:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Gospel of John
- [00:33] - Definition of a Christian
- [01:07] - Salvation in Christ Alone
- [01:45] - Paul's Exposition in 1 Corinthians
- [02:22] - Sanctification in Christ
- [03:19] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [04:10] - Growing in Grace
- [05:04] - Assurance and Sanctification
- [06:09] - The Danger of Antinomianism
- [07:57] - Living in the World
- [09:03] - Perseverance of the Saints
- [11:31] - James on Grace and Humility
- [13:26] - Practical Exhortations
- [19:06] - The Spirit's Role in Perseverance
- [31:25] - The Spirit's Jealous Yearning
- [35:07] - Greater Grace for Greater Challenges
- [47:33] - Restoration and Healing
- [50:58] - Closing Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:16 - "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."
2. 1 Corinthians 1:30 - "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."
3. James 4:5-6 - "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

Observation Questions:
1. According to John 1:16, what have we received from the fullness of Christ? How does this relate to the concept of "grace upon grace"? [00:33]
2. In 1 Corinthians 1:30, what roles does Christ fulfill for believers? How does this passage describe the process of sanctification? [02:22]
3. How does James 4:5-6 describe the Holy Spirit's role in our lives? What does it mean that the Spirit "yearns jealously" for us? [31:25]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding that our salvation is entirely in Christ, as mentioned in John 1:16, change the way we view our own efforts in the Christian life? [01:07]
2. What does it mean for Christ to be made unto us "sanctification" according to 1 Corinthians 1:30, and how does this impact our daily walk with God? [02:40]
3. James 4:5-6 speaks of God giving "more grace." How does this assurance of abundant grace influence our response to temptation and sin? [47:33]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own efforts rather than receiving from the fullness of Christ. How can you shift your focus to receiving grace upon grace in your current situation? [00:49]
2. In what ways can you actively participate in the process of sanctification, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you into the image of Christ? Consider practical steps you can take this week. [02:40]
3. How can the assurance of salvation motivate you to live a life that fulfills the law through the Spirit, rather than falling into complacency or antinomianism? [05:51]
4. Identify a specific temptation or sin you are currently facing. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's yearning and the promise of more grace to overcome it? [31:25]
5. Think of a recent challenge where you felt overwhelmed. How can the knowledge that God's grace is greater than any challenge encourage you to persevere? [47:33]
6. How can you cultivate humility in your life to receive more grace from God, as mentioned in James 4:6? What practical steps can you take to humble yourself before God this week? [11:46]
7. Consider someone in your life who may be struggling with assurance of salvation. How can you encourage them with the truths discussed in this study? [05:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Receiving from the Fullness of Christ
The Christian life is characterized by a continual reception from the fullness of Christ, emphasizing that salvation is entirely in Him and not by our own works. This understanding liberates believers from self-reliance and places them in a position of continual reception of grace. The Gospel of John highlights this truth, reminding us that we have received grace upon grace from Christ's abundance. This grace is not something we earn but is freely given, allowing us to live in the freedom and assurance of His love and salvation. [00:49]

Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still relying on your own efforts rather than receiving from Christ's fullness? How can you shift your focus to embrace His grace more fully today?


Day 2: The Journey of Sanctification
Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is a journey of growing in grace and knowledge, moving from glory to glory, and is essential to the Christian life. The Apostle Paul describes how Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, highlighting the Spirit's role in mediating Christ to us. As we grow in grace, we are transformed into His likeness, reflecting His glory in our lives. [02:40]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in your journey of sanctification? How can you intentionally seek to grow in grace and knowledge?


Day 3: Assurance and the Call to Holiness
Assurance of salvation should not lead to complacency or antinomianism. Instead, it should motivate believers to live according to the Spirit, fulfilling the law and striving for holiness as they journey towards ultimate glorification. The assurance of our destiny in Christ is not a license to live lawlessly but a call to live in the Spirit's power, overcoming the temptations of the flesh and the devil. This journey requires vigilance and a commitment to holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives. [05:51]

1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV): "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have become complacent in your walk with Christ? How can you renew your commitment to holiness and live more intentionally according to the Spirit?


Day 4: The Spirit's Jealous Yearning
The Holy Spirit, dwelling within believers, yearns jealously for their sanctification and glorification. This divine longing is a guarantee of their final perseverance, as the Spirit fights for them and provides more grace to overcome any temptation or sin. The Spirit's presence is a constant reminder of God's commitment to His people, ensuring that they are never overcome by the challenges they face. Even when they falter, the Spirit's abundant grace restores them, healing their backslidings and reestablishing their path towards glory. [31:25]

James 4:5-6 (ESV): "Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, 'He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us'? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

Reflection: How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and work in your life? In what ways can you respond to His jealous yearning for your sanctification and glorification?


Day 5: Grace Greater Than Our Challenges
God's grace is greater than any challenge believers face. The Spirit's abundant grace ensures that they are never overcome by temptation or sin, and even when they falter, this grace restores them, healing their backslidings and reestablishing their path towards glory. This assurance of grace provides strength and hope, enabling believers to persevere through trials and grow in holiness. The journey of faith is marked by the continual reception of grace, empowering believers to live victoriously in Christ. [47:33]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing that require God's grace? How can you rely on His grace to overcome these challenges and grow in your faith?

Quotes


The Christian is one who becomes progressively more and more like the Lord Jesus Christ and ultimately at that great day when we shall see him as he is we shall be like him now there is the whole picture if you like of the Christian Life. [00:03:06]

The Spirit gives us Greater Grace greater I mean than the power of everything that is set against us turn to underestimate the power of the world and the Flesh and the devil any Christian who underestimates the enemy of the fight in which we are placed is a mere Tyle is an ignoramus. [00:35:32]

The Spirit that dwells in me lusteth even to jealous Envy yearn and LS let's drop that word lust he Longs and he yearns with the strongest affections conceivable for my sanctification and for my glorification and if that doesn't come to you my friends as the most wonderful consolation. [00:33:50]

The Spirit of God is within us and is striving he's watching over us with a jealous Envy as a parent watches his child and is concerned that the child doesn't come to any harm and hates everything that threatens the child so is the spirit to us he's watching he's safeguarding. [00:34:25]

The Spirit that dwelleth in us Longs yearns with strong affections very strong affections he does so even to the point of jealous Envy what does this mean well you see what it means is this and this is the final comfort of the Christian and this is the ultimate guarantee. [00:31:58]

The Spirit is in us and the spirit gives us more grace what's it mean well this is again one of these great comprehensive statements the spirit gives us Greater Grace greater I mean than the power of everything that is set against us turn to underestimate the power of the world. [00:35:32]

The Spirit that dwelleth in us Longs yearns with strong affections very strong affections he does so even to the point of jealous Envy what does this mean well you see what it means is this and this is the final comfort of the Christian and this is the ultimate guarantee. [00:31:58]

The Spirit of God is within us and is striving he's watching over us with a jealous Envy as a parent watches his child and is concerned that the child doesn't come to any harm and hates everything that threatens the child so is the spirit to us he's watching he's safeguarding. [00:34:25]

The Spirit that dwelleth in us Longs yearns with strong affections very strong affections he does so even to the point of jealous Envy what does this mean well you see what it means is this and this is the final comfort of the Christian and this is the ultimate guarantee. [00:31:58]

The Spirit is in us and the spirit gives us more grace what's it mean well this is again one of these great comprehensive statements the spirit gives us Greater Grace greater I mean than the power of everything that is set against us turn to underestimate the power of the world. [00:35:32]

The Spirit that dwelleth in us Longs yearns with strong affections very strong affections he does so even to the point of jealous Envy what does this mean well you see what it means is this and this is the final comfort of the Christian and this is the ultimate guarantee. [00:31:58]

The Spirit of God is within us and is striving he's watching over us with a jealous Envy as a parent watches his child and is concerned that the child doesn't come to any harm and hates everything that threatens the child so is the spirit to us he's watching he's safeguarding. [00:34:25]

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